Preparing educators to engage families: case studies using an ecological systems framework

Machine generated contents note: 1.Theoretical Perspectives on the Microsystem

Motivation to Learn

Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Children's Motivation to Learn

The Three Cs: Competence, Control, and Connection

Conclusion and Implications

A Developmental-Contextual Perspective

The Research

Conclusion and Implications

2.The Microsystem Cases

Case 1. Supporting Ignacio: A Mother Discovers How to Help Her Son Succeed

Characters

Ignacio: The Beginning of the School Year (Translated From Spanish)

Viridiana and Mrs. Naylor: First Impressions in Class

Father Benedict: Parish Priest

Christina: Librarian

Paty: The Fall Parent-Teacher Conference

Viridiana: Providing the "Aha" Moment

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 2. A Special Education Plan for Anabela: Does Supporting Her Needs Mean Holding Her Back?

Characters

Teacher to Teacher: Talking Over Anabela's Progress

Anabela's Cumulative Record

Anabela's Mother, Magda

Special Education at La Paz

Jean Harfleur, Anabela's Teacher, on Anabela and Her Family

Connie York, Anabela's Resource Room Teacher, on Anabela and Her Family

Anabela on Family, Learning, and School

Putting the Pieces Together

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 3. My Favorite Subject Is Lunch: Motivating a Disengaged Student

Characters

Anthony Barbarin at School

Anthony

Jason Mitchell and Cynthia Hague, Anthony's Teachers

The Barbarin Family

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

3.Theoretical Perspectives on the Mesosystem

Social Executive Functioning

Conclusion and Implications

The Family, School, and Community Relationship

Types of Family and School Relationship

Principles of Relationship Building

Conclusion and Implications

4.The Mesosystem Cases

Case 4. Lunchtime at Sunnydale Elementary School: What Do First Graders Need?

Characters

Beatriz, Rosa and Maria's Grandmother

Linda Chang, Principal

The Grandmother Encounters School Staff

The PTA Meeting

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 5. Defining "Fine": Communicating Academic Progress to Parents

Characters

The Principal, Dick Leonard

The Parents, Molly and Margot

The Teacher, Tammy Gray

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 6. Bilingual Voices and Parent Classroom Choices: Family Engagement in Language and Literacy

Characters

Mother and Daughter Battle Over Homework

Choosing an English-Only Classroom for Nina: Ines, Nina's Mother (Translated From Spanish)

A Bilingual Classroom May Suit Nina Better: Sonya Chesin, Nina's Teacher

Identifying Bilingual Issues at Morrison Elementary: Andy Beber, Principal

Ines Wonders What to Do Next

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

5.Theoretical Perspectives on the Exosystem

Media in the Lives of Families With Young Children

The Interplay Between the Digital Media Industry and Family Interactions

Digital Media for Learning

Conclusion and Implications

The Accommodation Model

The Accommodation Model of Parental Child Care Decision Making

Precarious Employment Contexts: A Critical Exosystemic Influence on Children

The Influence of Precarious Work Environments on Family Practices and Child Care

Conclusion and Implications

6.The Exosystem Cases

Case 7. Connections and Misconnections: Digital Media in Family Life and at School

Characters

Alejandra Sanchez: Meet Me at the Nightclub

George Sanchez: I Want Her to Have a Childhood as a Child as I Did

Carmela Sanchez: The Computer 1s a Tool, and Its Not a Toy

Eileen Kato: Here Things Only Seem to Move Backward, Not Ahead

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 8. After School for Cindy: Family, School, and Community, Roles in Out-of-School Time

Characters

Perspectives on Cindy and Her Mother: Nikki, Cindy's Teacher

Marla

Cindy

Shellie, Cindy's School Counselor

Ed, the Principal

An Encounter Between Parent and Teacher in the Community

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 9. Piecing It Together: Linking Systems to Support a Student and Family

Characters

Fall 1999: Dee Johnson, Dionte's Teacher

Early Winter 1998 (One and One-Half Years Earlier): Karen Carson, Dionte's Mother

Spring 1998: Dionte Carson

Fall 1998: Riverside Medical Center

Winter 1998: Kofi Hunter, Social Worker

Spring 1999: Karen Carlson

October 19, 1999: Dionte

October 19, 1999: Dee Johnson

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

7.Theoretical Perspectives on the Macrosystem

The Promise of Parent-School Partnerships for Narrowing the Poverty Achievement Gap

How Does Poverty Limit Children's Achievement?

Why Do Family-School Partnerships Hold Promise for Children Who Are Growing Up Poor?

Immigrant Children, a Particularly Vulnerable Group

Conclusion and Implications

Ethnic and Racial Diversity

Theoretical Issues

Cultural Considerations in the Development of Ethnic and Racial Minority Children

Minority Status and Social Disadvantage

Conclusion and Implications

8.The Macrosystem Cases

Case 10. What Words Don't Say: Talking About Racism

Characters

Martin's Situation

Lorreen and Rhona, Martin's Mother and Grandmother

Joan Taylor, Martin's First-Grade Teacher

The Meeting

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 11. Raising Children Atone: Poverty, Welfare Reform, and Family Engagement

Characters

Introducing Aiesha

Aiesha

Samantha, Aiesha's Mother

The Children's Fathers

The Children

Aiesha's Life at Home

Aiesha's Life at School

Back to School on Monday

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 12. Learning in the Shadow of Violence: Community, Culture, and Family Engagement

Characters

Perspectives on Thandi

Thandi

Sak, Thandi's Father (Translated From Khmer)

Maryna, Thandi's Mother (Translated From Khmer)

Thandi's Community: Alice, Principal

Seyha, Community Member

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

9.Theoretical Perspectives on the Chronosystem

Families, Time, and Learning

Family Engagement Across Ages

Family Engagement Across the Day and Year

Family Engagement Across Historical, Political, and Cultural Periods

Conclusion and Implications

10.The Chronosystem Cases

Case 13. Bridging Worlds: Family Engagement in the Transition to Kindergarten

Characters

Nicole, Maya's Mother

Ms. Teresa, Maya's Former Preschool Teacher

Tanya Robinson, the Kindergarten Teacher

Esther Lasher, the Head Start Educational Director

Nicole Prepares to Meet With Tanya Robinson

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 14. Tomasito Is Too Big to Hold Hands: The Developing Child and the Home-School Relationship

Characters

Tomasito's Portfolio

Linda Brady, Tomasito's Second-Grade Teacher

Ria, Tomasito's Mother (Translated From Spanish)

Tomasito

Linda, Tomasito's Second-Grade Teacher

Tomasito

Tomas, Tomasito's Father (Translated From Spanish)

Ria, Tomasito's Mother (Translated From Spanish)

Communicating About Tomasito's Math

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading

Case 15. Staying on the Path Toward College: One Boy at the Crossroads

Characters

Introducing Paulo

Paulo's Family

Comadre Alicia (Madrina) and Her Son Miguel

Nancy Brown, Paulo's Math Teacher

Rachel Marquez, Community College Outreach Program Director

Discussion Questions

Recommended Reading.